On the morning of July 13, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Thanh Hoa Branch organized a conference to review the work carried out in the first six months and deploy tasks for the remaining six months of 2023.

In the first six months of 2023, amidst the overall global economic impact of negative factors such as inflation, economic recession, and high bank interest rates, the production and livelihoods of both the Thanh Hoa and Ninh Bình provinces have been significantly affected. Local businesses have faced various challenges, including disruptions in the supply chain of raw materials, shrinking consumer markets, reduced orders and contract sizes, disruptions in the flow of goods, and relatively low competitiveness and labor productivity.

VCCI Thanh Hoa Branch Reviews the First 6 Months of 2023

However, with high determination, great efforts, and decisive actions from the two provinces of Thanh Hoa and Ninh Bình, there have been focused leadership and coordinated implementation of various tasks and development solutions for different sectors and fields right from the beginning of the year. Along with the active participation of the political system and the endeavor of the business community, the socio-economic situation in the first 6 months of 2023 has achieved positive results.

In Thanh Hoa province: The Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) growth rate in the first 6 months of 2023 is estimated to be 7.0%, ranking 18th nationwide and leading the provinces in the North Central region. The state budget revenue is estimated to reach 20,577 billion VND, equivalent to 58% of the plan, a 25% decrease compared to the same period last year. Of this, domestic revenue is estimated at 11,800 billion VND, equivalent to 54% of the plan, a 33% decrease from the same period last year. Revenue from import and export activities is estimated at 8,777 billion VND, equivalent to 65% of the plan, a 12% decrease compared to the same period last year. Certain areas have experienced significant declines compared to the same period last year, such as land use fees decreasing by 60%, environmental protection taxes decreasing by 48%, and personal income taxes decreasing by 31%.

In Ninh Bình province: The total Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) for the entire province in the first 6 months of 2023 (at constant 2010 prices) is estimated to be 25,081.5 billion VND, a 7.56% increase compared to the first 6 months of 2022.

Mr. Do Dinh Hieu, Director of VCCI Thanh Hoa Branch

Mr. Do Dinh Hieu, Director of VCCI Thanh Hoa Branch stated that in the aforementioned context, with the attention and guidance of the VCCI Standing Committee, the People's Committee of Thanh Hoa province, and the active support and participation of the business community, VCCI Thanh Hoa has successfully carried out its assigned tasks and achieved notable results. VCCI Thanh Hoa has always been concerned and maintained a strong bond with its member businesses to foster cohesion, cooperation, and mutual development within the Thanh Hoa business community. As of June 30, 2023, VCCI has welcomed 51 new member businesses, bringing the total number of official members to over 1200.

In addition to the work of recruiting new members, VCCI Thanh Hoa also emphasizes the care for its existing members by promptly understanding the thoughts and desires of the businesses, accompanying them to overcome difficulties and obstacles.

Regarding advisory work and policy recommendations for local business development, in the first six months of the year, VCCI Thanh Hoa actively participated in providing feedback on nearly 20 draft documents, including legislative documents, programs, projects, and socio-economic development policies at both central and provincial levels. The practical recommendations and feedback from VCCI Thanh Hoa based on the actual business activities have served as an essential basis for the government at all levels to assimilate, adjust, modify, and supplement the legal system and issue appropriate mechanisms and policies for socio-economic development.

As a member of the Provincial Business Development Steering Committee, the Director of the VCCI Thanh Hoa Branch has provided advice to the People's Committee and the Steering Committee in issuing various programs, plans, and solutions to tackle difficulties and support the development of businesses.

To protect the legitimate rights and interests of businesses, VCCI Thanh Hoa closely collaborates with various organizations, associations, and unions in addressing and resolving difficulties and obstacles faced by businesses. These issues are reported to the Chairman of the People's Committee of Thanh Hoa province during regular monthly meetings with businesses. The leadership of VCCI Thanh Hoa regularly participates in meetings organized by the provincial Party Committee, People's Council, People's Committee, Departments, and various organizations to convey the thoughts and wishes of the business community to the provincial authorities for timely resolution.

During the first six months of 2023, thanks to the attention and support from the Party, the Standing Committee, and specialized committees of VCCI, as well as the efforts and close cooperation of the business community, VCCI Thanh Hoa actively and substantially achieved its planned objectives and tasks. It played its role as a representative organization and protected the legitimate interests of its member businesses. VCCI Thanh Hoa a consistently encouraged businesses to stay united, overcome the current challenges, and strive for stable production recovery in the future.

However, the leadership of VCCI Thanh Hoa is currently concerned about the limited capacity to support businesses in the Ninh Bình province to enhance their competitiveness due to the branch's resource constraints for implementation.

Source: Kieu Phien (Business Forum Magazine).